Consider the “dual” audience. Yes you are writing a children’s book, but who is going to read it aloud a million times? (As a librarian, I can truly appreciate this advice.) A strong picture book appeals to both children and adults.

Read the latest copy of Children’s Book Authors and Illustrator’s Market. According to The Writer’s Store, “For more than 20 years, CWIM has been the definitive publishing guide for anyone who seeks to write or illustrate for kids and young adults. Inside you’ll find more than 700 listings for children’s book publishers and magazines, including a point of contact, how much they pay, and what they’re looking for.”

Watch Katie in this short video called The First Steps to Getting Published

And now…for Perfect Picture Book Friday sponsored by

Visit Susanna’s page for more perfect picture books, including her own!

Title: Duck! Rabbit!

Written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld

Scholastic, 2009

Fiction

Suitable for: Grades K-2 (ages 5-8)

Themes: Creative Thinking, Point of View

Opening and Brief Synopsis: “Hey, Look! A duck! That’s not a duck. That’s a rabbit! Are you kidding me? It’s totally a duck. It’s for sure a rabbit…” Each two page spread features a simple black ink drawing of a mystery animal- it appears to be a duck on the left side but a rabbit on the right side!

Why I like this book: This picture book is ingenious. The optical illusions are so simple yet so spectacular and hilarious! Duck! Rabbit! holds the reader’s attention from beginning to end. (And there is a surprise ending!)

Kelly, I set up the bilingual school library here at the International School of Monaco, but the last few years I have been their guidance counsellor. I still have a lot to do with the library, though!

Your picture book writing tips are great, and maybe the prize for the December writing contest on my blog should be a copy of Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators Market instead of a picture book 🙂 I have certainly heard of Duck! Rabbit! but I’m don’t think I’ve actually read it – time to remedy that! Thanks for joining in once agin with wonderful selection 🙂